Learning from OT Greats: Joseph - From the Pit to the PalaceSample

Day 11:  Jacob’s blesses Joseph 

Thoughts on the Passage

This passage gives a description of the blessing given to Joseph – and as I mentioned yesterday, to the two sons of Joseph. There are several key components to this blessing. 

First, this blessing comes with fruitfulness that flows over the walls. In other words, it gives blessing to the rest of the sons of Jacob – or anyone that walks by the wall. It is a blessing of over abundance.

Second, this blessing describes courage in the midst of battle. He will face the brunt of the enemy with his weapons, but he would stay unmoved and strong – because he is strengthened and assisted by the God of Jacob – his father. God helped Jacob overcome great enemies and Joseph will be the one who faces them in the next battles. God will help Joseph just as He helped Jacob.

Third, God’s blessings will be tremendous. These blessings cover the spiritual, physical, and family. These blessings are even greater than what Abraham gave to Isaac and what Isaac gave to Jacob. That is an amazing concept, especially because the blessings of Abraham are considered one of the greatest in the whole word of God.

Fourth, the blessings set Joseph apart from the rest of the family. They are so much greater that Joseph will stand out from the rest of the family.

I add the verses in Psalm 78 because there is a sad reality to the tribe of Ephraim (Ephraim is the son of Joseph who was given the special honor by Jacob). They were armed with the bow, but they turned back in the day of battle. Rather than face the enemy with boldness and courage (and in the power of God), they gave up, turned and ran. The courage that was suppose to separate them from the brothers and lead the family was missing. They lost it because they did not trust God to keep His word. They lost it because they did not keep His commands.

Application to our Life

Do I know the things that will make me turn back when I face heavy battles? Woundedness, fear, lack of faith in God’s promises?

Do I embrace the blessings given to me? 

Time to Pray
Father, this passage makes me take time and think carefully. I see a man with great blessings – a double portion blessing – both physically and spiritually. Yet, the descendants could not handle the challenges that come with those blessings. We want the blessings, but we do not want the challenges that come with them. 

These challenges are often bitter, violent, demanding, and relentless. Father, you gave me this passage for me personally. It is one that I struggle with understanding. Still, I ask for a boldness to call upon You to strengthen my arms in the day of battle. I ask for feet that will not run when others quit. I ask for fruitfulness that is overflowing to my world. In Jesus name, Amen.